Why Some Planets Are Habitable?

A planet's habitability, or ability to harbor life, results from a complex network of interactions between the planet itself, the system it's a part of, and the star it orbits. ... As far as researchers know, this requires a planet to have liquid water. To detect this water from space, it must be on the planet's surface.

Why are planets habitable?

A special planet: the habitable Earth

What makes the Earth habitable? It is the right distance from the Sun, it is protected from harmful solar radiation by its magnetic field, it is kept warm by an insulating atmosphere, and it has the right chemical ingredients for life, including water and carbon.

How do you know if a planet is habitable?

For a planet/moon/asteroid to be considered habitable, it must orbit in a zone where liquid water is possible. The planet needs to be far enough away from the star that the surface water does not evaporate and close enough to the star that the surface water does not remain perpetually frozen.